How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful way to connect outdoor and indoor spaces. They can become problematic with time, requiring immediate attention to security and function.

Sagging, misalignment and warping of the door's frame and sash are common problems. Fortunately, most of these issues can be easily repaired with a bit of time and effort.

Locks that are misaligned

Some doors can be slack or awry due to humidity and wood swelling or settlement. This can cause the strike or lock bolt plate move out of alignment and require more force to open and close the door. This could put additional pressure on the locks which may eventually lead to broken locks or mangled components. This is a frequent issue that can be resolved through DIY solutions.

In some instances, a small amount of lubricant may be all you need to make the door more easy to open and close. You can use a graphite lubricant but make sure that it is safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant clean the door's perimeter with an abrasive rag that is damp to remove any obstructions.

A door that is hanging off-center can be repaired by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. However, be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws as this can damage the hinges or door.

If your exterior french door replacement door isn't closing properly, it could be a sign there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by factory screws that are short that loosen as time passes. Replace the screws with larger ones to pull more wood from the door frames.

You can also adjust the lock, however it's more complex and difficult. Begin by loosening the knob or handle with a flat-head screwdriver. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole, by unscrewing and pulling it out. Inspect it for any obstructions before you rebuild and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole You may have to relocate or expand the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the hole of the latch, it could hinder the lock from closing and require locksmith assistance. If the hole is tiny it is possible to make use of a metal file to make it larger.

Sagging

If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts that block your view. There are some simple fixes to address these issues.

To begin, tighten your hinges to ensure they're correctly aligned. This should take about 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this doesn't fix the problem, you will need to replace the hinges. They're likely to be at the end of their lifespan.

Over time, the weight of your French door could cause them to loosen. To prevent this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and test them frequently to ensure they are still secure. It is also recommended to regularly lubricate your hinges with a lubricating spritz to prolong their life.

Replace old or damaged hinges to stop your door from sagging. A new doorknob or doors that have been freshly painted, can also affect the position of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement or wear and tear on the hinges, or improper modifications to your doors. You can fix a sagging door by tightening or changing the hinges.

It is also important to check the weather stripping on your doors to make sure they are functioning correctly. If they're not working you can take them off and replace them.

Lastly, you should occasionally look over the wood on your door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can create drafts, and they will not only reduce the efficiency of your doors, but can also cause water leakage and other damages around your home.

If your doors are sliding and you have tried the two options above most likely you will need to smooth down the jamb of your door with a hand plane according to Popular Mechanics. To do this, take your doors from their hinges. Set them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The large areas of glass on french door frame repair doors can be a common source of water leaks, especially when you live in a region that receives heavy rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to decay and damage the structure around it to deteriorate. It is relatively easy to fix these leaks, and it should only take you just a few minutes.

Leaks can be caused by a variety of causes, including

A broken seal

This issue can be solved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold an entirely new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from getting into your home.

Water is leaking from the sill

This problem can be caused a number of ways that include the absence of a sillpan or using a sill made from metal that is not watertight. If you notice that water is collecting around your French door, contact the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by an wooden sill that can keep out water.

Obstructions

A damaged seal can cause fog to accumulate between the two panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and lowers energy efficiency. The problem can be resolved by replacing the seal with a newer one that blocks out both air and moisture.

Loose handles

A handle that is loose can be dangerous as it can fall while you are opening or closing your french door frame repair door. This issue can be solved by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.

A track stop that isn't properly installed may cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops can help solve this problem. It's also a good idea to regularly check for cracks and wear on exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure that they are in good condition.

Warping

If you're not careful, your French doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or moisture. It is recommended to call an experienced handyman with experience repairing French door. They will be able to advise on the best way to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are severely bent, you may have to replace them entirely. However, if they're just slightly warped, it may be possible to get them back to straight by soaking the towels in water and placing them across the affected area. Leave the towels in the doors for a few days, or even longer, until they're completely flattened.

This method can be used to restore uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood has been well-seasoned. It's important to note that the process can be time-consuming and challenging to accomplish particularly when the doors are severely bent.

The doors could warp when they are stored improperly. Avoid them from construction work that creates lots of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should also be stored flat on a surface and not stacked especially when they are not finished.

A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To correct this, you must take the doors off and place them on a pair of sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door by using a hand plane. It is important to work in small steps so that you don't end up taking too much wood off the doors, which can make them too thin and fragile.

Once the doors are fixed, you can put the strike plate back into place. If the lock does not work after this, the barrel catch might be caught on the other side of the frame. This can usually be solved by lubricating and applying silicone spray. If this does not work, you might have to replace the latch.